Israel declares Hamas leader Yehya al-Sinwar dead

Israel has declared Yehya al-Sinwar, the leader of the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip, dead.

Al-Sinwar was killed by Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said on Thursday evening, confirming earlier reports.

"This is a significant military and moral victory for Israel and for the entire free world in its fight against the axis of radical Islam led by Iran," Katz said in a personal message to his counterparts around the world.

"Sinwar's elimination opens the door for the immediate release of the hostages and for a transformative change in Gaza – one without Hamas and without Iranian control."

Israeli President Isaac Herzog commended the army for "eliminating the arch-terrorist" who "has for years been responsible for heinous acts of terrorism against Israeli civilians, citizens of other countries, and the murder of thousands of innocent people."